Farewell but Farewell but Farewell but not goodbye not goodbye not goodbye

At the end of 2022, we said farewell to North Queensland organiser Wal Giordani, who has since commenced the role as Field Officer for CBus Super While Wal is no longer an official of our union, it's not goodbye Wal has already begun attending mass meetings as the CBus rep, and is assisting members in transitioning to retirement. Wal had a few words to say to members as he prepared to transition to his new role last year

Over the past 17 years I have been the ETU North Queensland organiser, but the time has come for me to step aside and pass the baton on to the next generation of staunch unionists This was not an easy decision to come to but from what I’ve seen with the next generation of organisers, under the leadership of our state secretary Peter Ong, the union is in good hands and will only go from strength to strength into the future

Over my period as organiser, the ETU has faced many difficult challenges, Work Choices and the Newman government’s Privatisation Bill to name a few, but united together we have been able to stand strong and overcome these issues for the betterment of the union movement and its members

I have also met many wonderful and interesting people in my role as organiser Firstly, the bonds and friendships I have made with my ETU campaign and since, but also because the current crop of lower level managers have been floated into positions of influence from the floor, and their model is to treat workers with respect and consult through issues Such a refreshing change for a workplace that was once the very worst industrially in the region due to bosses’ attitudes As I said, I would happily have any of these members in my corner any day and it is a privilege to work with and for them

Construction has again slowed in the region with the Cairns Convention Centre and the Mental Health facility the only real jobs of note under construction

There is a HPS high rise that is nearing completion and an Ergon Energy depot refurbishment that is out to tender currently In good news, a massive hospital project and the second stage of the Cairns Naval Base will require construction sparkies in the near future

CleanCo are entering into negotiations with us and the other relevant unions as we speak It is still early days, and the agreement hasn’t expired yet, but CleanCo seem very wedded to the GOC wages policy and it may take a little flexing to drag a decent offer out of them

Queensland Rail's EBA is also up for renegotiation, and although members have fed their log ideas to Coordinator Jason Young, it is early days, watch this space

It was pleasing to be a part of the Ergon Energy Apprentice Inductions recently when 24 new apprentices started There were a few that were internally sponsored apprentices, all varied in age and there were quite a few women entering this male-dominated industry, which was pleasing to see We know that 25% of the blue-collar Ergon workforce are at retirement age in the next 10 – 15 years and this current crop will go some way to filling some of that gap

There are imminent job opportunities in QBuild, which is about to advertise two trades positions Ergon Energy, who need to ramp up to address their current record works programme, and vicariously the Supply Industry Contractors will no doubt flex up as well, and the Cairns Convention Centre will also ramp up soon